US: Defence Secretary says refusing same-sex IDs is ‘wrong’

Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel has criticised nine US states for failing to grant full spousal benefits to the partners of gay and lesbian members of America’s armed forces.

“This is wrong and causes divisions among our ranks,” Mr Hagel told an audience at the Anti-Defamation League in New York.

The Defence Secretary has asked the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, General Frank Grass, to “take immediate action to remedy this situation,” and to “meet with the Adjutants General from the states where these ID cards are being denied”.

The identification card provide access to commissaries and other services for partners of gay and lesbian service members.